Forces can cause objects to move, stop, change speed or direction. Forces are measured in Newtons and can be contact forces like friction or non-contact forces like gravity. Friction is the force that opposes the motion when two surfaces are in contact. It depends on factors like the pressure and roughness of the surfaces. Streamlined shapes help reduce drag from air and water resistance, allowing objects to move through fluids more easily. Braking distance depends on thinking time and how forcefully the brakes are applied.